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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

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Open Access 01-10-2017

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Versus Extended Internet Intervention for Problem Drinkers

Authors: John A. Cunningham, Gillian W. Shorter, Michelle Murphy, Vladyslav Kushnir, Jürgen Rehm, Christian S. Hendershot

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 5/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Brief Internet interventions have been shown to reduce alcohol consumption. This trial intended to compare the effects of one such brief intervention to an extended Internet intervention for problem drinkers.

Method

Using online advertising, 490 participants, 18 years or older, were recruited and randomized to receive a brief (CheckYourDrinking.net) versus an extended (AlcoholHelpCentre.net) Internet intervention and were followed up at 6, 12, and 24 months. The per protocol primary analysis assessed difference between condition at the 12-month follow-up.

Results

The follow-up rate at 12 months was 83.3 %. ANCOVAs of the primary (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)-C) and secondary outcome variables (drinks in a typical week, highest number of drinks on one occasion—baseline drinking as covariate) revealed no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the interventions. Similarly, combined analyses of the 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up revealed no significant differences between interventions at all time points.

Conclusion

The present study does not provide support for the added benefit of an extended Internet intervention for problem drinkers over a brief Internet intervention.

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Title: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Versus Extended Internet Intervention for Problem Drinkers
Authors: John A. Cunningham
Gillian W. Shorter
Michelle Murphy
Vladyslav Kushnir
Jürgen Rehm
Christian S. Hendershot
Publication date: 01-10-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-016-9604-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Versus Extended Internet Intervention for Problem Drinkers

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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Return of the JITAI: Applying a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention Framework to the Development of m-Health Solutions for Addictive Behaviors

Computer-Based Interventions for Problematic Alcohol Use: a Review of Systematic Reviews

Steering Clear of Driving After Drinking: a Tailored e-Health Intervention for Reducing Repeat Offending and Modifying Alcohol Use in a High-Risk Cohort